Iran Faces Unprecedented Runoff as Voter Disillusionment Grows

Historic low turnout in the first round signals widespread dissatisfaction with the political system.

Only 39.9% of eligible voters participated in the first round, the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic.
Runoff will be between hard-liner Saeed Jalili and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.
Public anger persists over economic struggles and harsh crackdowns on dissent, including the 2022 protests.
Many Iranians are skeptical that voting can bring meaningful change, citing past unfulfilled promises.
Jalili is seen as an extremist, while Pezeshkian's campaign struggles to energize disenchanted voters.